The 2026 NBA free agent class of shooting guards isn’t the deepest, but it’s got some serious names at the top and a handful of guys who can change a team’s offense. With the draft loaded with guard prospects, not every team will snag one. That means the open market becomes the backup plan. Let’s run through the 10 best shooting guards available and where they’re likely to end up.
10. Bruce Brown, Denver Nuggets (UFA)
Bruce Brown was a key cog in Denver’s 2023 championship run, then he bounced around before coming back to the Nuggets this past season. The magic didn’t fully return, but he clearly loves it there. And Denver needs to keep whatever depth it can. Brown has signaled he’s willing to take less money to stay. That makes this an easy one.
Prediction: Denver Nuggets
9. Luke Kennard, Los Angeles Lakers (UFA)
Luke Kennard has led the league in 3-point percentage three times, including a blistering 47.8% this season. The Lakers have so many free agents they might not be able to keep him. Enter the Dallas Mavericks. They finished bottom five in 3-point makes and percentage last year. Imagine Cooper Flagg kicking out to Kennard on the wing. That’s a rookie’s best friend.
Prediction: Dallas Mavericks
8. Quentin Grimes, Philadelphia 76ers (UFA)
Quentin Grimes has spent most of his career as a 3-and-D guy. Then he got traded to Philly and averaged 21.9 points over his first 28 games. Suddenly he’s showing creation ability nobody knew he had. That versatility is going to get him paid. The Portland Trail Blazers need shooting and wing defense, but they can also give him some usage. It’s a good fit.
Prediction: Portland Trail Blazers
7. Tim Hardaway Jr., Denver Nuggets (UFA)
Hardaway played last season on the veteran’s minimum for Denver and nearly won Sixth Man of the Year. He’s not doing that again. The Nuggets probably can’t afford him now. Toronto’s bench ranked seventh-worst in scoring last season, and Hardaway is exactly the kind of spark plug who could fix that.
Prediction: Toronto Raptors
6. C.J. McCollum, Atlanta Hawks (UFA)
When McCollum came over in the Trae Young trade, people thought the Hawks got fleeced. Instead, McCollum kept proving he’s one of the best combo guards in the league. He scores from mid-range, from deep, wherever. Atlanta wanted him back badly. Pairing his offense with Dyson Daniels’ defense gives the Hawks a solid backcourt.
Prediction: Atlanta Hawks
Note: McCollum agreed to a one-year, $21 million extension with the Hawks.
5. Bennedict Mathurin, Los Angeles Clippers (RFA)
Mathurin arrived in the Ivica Zubac trade, and the Clippers won’t let him walk for nothing. Not even with the Pacers’ first-round pick coming their way. He’s a great scorer, probably best off the bench long-term where he can bring energy. L.A. matching any offer feels like a given.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers
4. Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings (Player Option)
LaVine is in a weird spot. He’s a multi-time All-Star, elite shooter, and explosive athlete. But he’s been overpaid and hasn’t won much. He’s due nearly $50 million if he picks up his option. The Kings might be rebuilding. Odds are he opts in, but that doesn’t mean he finishes the season in Sacramento. A trade could still happen.
Prediction: Sacramento Kings (opts in, eventually traded)
3. Ayo Dosunmu, Minnesota Timberwolves (UFA)
The Timberwolves lost Nickeil Alexander-Walker last offseason, then grabbed Dosunmu at the trade deadline. He was huge for them in the playoffs, especially from 3-point range. Minnesota can’t afford to treat him like a rental. He gives them guard depth and shot-making they badly need.
Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves
2. Norman Powell, Miami Heat (UFA)
Norman Powell made his first All-Star team this season and hit the open market at the perfect time. He’s averaged over 20 points in back-to-back seasons. A late bloomer, sure, but he keeps getting better. He fits the Heat culture like a glove — hardworking, always improving. A return to Miami seems obvious.
Prediction: Miami Heat
1. Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers (Player Option)
Luka Doncic is the future in L.A. If the Lakers have to choose between LeBron James and Austin Reaves as Doncic’s sidekick, the younger option makes more sense. Reaves averaged 23.3 points this season and could go even higher if he doesn’t have to share touches with LeBron. The Lakers aren’t letting him walk.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
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